Students' leaders ask youth to desist from violence

STUDENTS|YOUTH|VIOLENCE 

KAMPALA - Guild presidents from various Universities have implored the youth to desist from any form of electoral violence ahead of the 2021 Polls.

The students' leaders made their appeal in a press briefing at Hotel Africana on Thursday (December 17, 2020).

"We call upon the youth particularly university students not to Involve in political violence because it may lead to your death yet we are the future leaders," Law Development Center guild president Alex Nuwahereza said.

Nuwahereza was backed by Islamic University in Uganda vice guild president Fatuma Nakibuule, Johnson Noowe (Gulu), Godfrey Niwamanya (Kabaale), Sunday Amagule (Nkumba), Oscar Arinda (Mountains of the Moon), Felix Odur-(Bisitema), Denis Kabila Prime minister (Uganda Christian University Mukono) and Ezra Byakutaganza of Uganda National Students Association (UNSA).

The students have also rallied fellow youth to denounce election violence by state and non-state actors.

Nuwahereza said, "The police and other security agencies should restrain from the use of excessive force and respect the dignity of Ugandans, such brutality has resulted into killing innocent people."

The youth called for dialogue between the police and political players to ensure a peaceful, free and fair electoral process.

"The police should have used what they call minimum forces to fight the rioters and avoid killing of innocent people," Nuwahereza said.

Odur said the government needs to sensitise and involve the unskilled youth to embrace government programmes aimed at empowering them through wealth creation by engaging in productive economic sectors.

"Take advantage of the various programs including the Youth Livelihood programme, NAADS, SACCOs and the Emyooga initiative which is aimed at enhancing wealth and creating jobs for the people of Uganda," said Odur.    

Nakibuule said the youth need opportunities to participate in the political process, voice their opinions and play a meaningful role in political decision making.

"Our generation is at advantage with all opportunities if utilised and with this we encourage the youth to be innovative, organised and seek support from the government," Nakibuule said.

Amagule said government should sensitise the youth on patriotism with the necessary information for inculcating them into responsible citizens who love their country.